Storm damage to property

Guidance on damage caused to property by flooding, high winds and trees.

The storm of 1987 claimed 18 lives in Britain and caused £2 billion worth of damage. Further high winds that affected the UK in January/February 1990 cost insurers £3.37 billion.

• See a fascinating overview of the 1987 storm including archival footage from the Met Office.
• Royal Meteorological Society information on the 1987 storm.
• Met Office general severe weather advice
• Our consumer guide to flooding on what you need to know about flooding, flood risk to property, and what can be done to deal with this risk.
• Our information paper Flooding: Issues of Concern to Chartered Surveyors, first edition, gives background information on the issues involved in flooding and flood defence for surveyors in England and Wales.

Further information and publications about flooding and property

• Improving the flood performance of new buildings: Flood Resilient Construction
• Remedying Damp by Ralph Burkinshaw - Has a section on Flood Remediation
• Diagnosing Damp by Ralph Burkinshaw & Mike Parrett

Damage caused by trees

Falling Trees can be a major source of damage that can lead to disputes concerning who is responsible for the cost of repairs.

• BRE Good Repair Guide GR2: Damage to Building Caused by Trees.
• BT Openreach Wayleaves FAQ.
• Which? The Law on Trees.
• Forestry Commission: Hazards from Trees.
• Garden Law.
• RICS Guides and Advice
• You can also search our Library Catalogue.